Outmoded term for a malformed embryo, fetus, or individual. See entries beginning with terato-. See teras. [L. monstrum, an evil omen, a prodigy, a wonder]
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mon·ster 'män(t)-stər n an animal or plant of abnormal form or structure esp a fetus or offspring with a major developmental abnormality
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mon·ster (monґstər) [L. monstrum] 1. an animal whose appearance is considered strange or frightening. 2. a term formerly used to denote a fetus or infant with such pronounced developmental anomalies as to be grotesque and usually nonviable.Medical dictionary. 2011.